The Miami Dolphins might have discovered something against the Atlanta Falcons.
It had nothing to do with Jordyn Brooks’ Herculean, AFC Defensive Player of the Week performance. It had nothing to do with the defense at all. And it certainly had nothing to do with Tua Tagovailoa — though it could help him.
One of the main reasons the Dolphins spanked the Falcons was the use of their stable of tailbacks — De’Von Achane, Ollie Gordon II and Jaylen Wright. It’s no coincidence that Miami rushed for 141 yards, its highest total of the season, the same game they had more attempts on the ground (37) than through the air (27). More than that, it’s something that the players are fully behind.
“When they’re all out there, you can’t stop them,” center Aaron Brewer said. “It’s impossible to game plan.”
That much was apparent on De’Von Achane’s touchdown catch in the first quarter. Aligned in the backfield to the left of Ollie Gordon II, Achane paused at the snap of the ball. The rookie, meanwhile, immediately shot to left. Then the third-year tailback snuck to the right and made the wide open grab in the flat. The play caused one Falcons’ linebacker to follow Gordon while the other momentarily frozen, unable to find Achane until it was too late.
Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane (28) runs to score a touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons in the first half of their NFL game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025, in Atlanta, Ga. Photo by Matias J. Ocner mocner@miamiherald.com
“The skill set that De’Von has, some defenses can look at him as a wide receiver, some can look at him as a back,” fullback Alec Ingold said. “That versatility opens up a lot of things for Ollie and him to be kind of interchangeable. It’s not just running the ball or just sweeps; it’s tough on a defense to try and start predicting what those two can do because they do so much.”
Added Tagovailoa: “It allows stress to be put on those guys and extra communication with them going different ways or going the same way with what they’re trying to do and get done defensively.”
Achane led all backs in carries (18) and rushing yards (67) while Gordon came in second in both categories. The rookie, however, gained a team-high six first downs. Miami even sprinkled in a bit of Jaylen Wright for the first time, gaining 28 yards on nine attempts.
The most surprising part: each back received a carry in the first quarter.
“As a core position group on our football team, we have a lot of talent there; to utilize all of that behooves us, so you try to give them opportunities early,” coach Mike McDaniel. “You kind of have an idea of how you think it’s going to go, but you keep an open mind to how people respond.”
Miami Dolphins running back Ollie Gordon II (31) celebrates with wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) after scoring a touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons in the second half of their NFL game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025, in Atlanta, Ga. Photo by Matias J. Ocner mocner@miamiherald.com
The advantages for Tagovailoa were clear. Not only did the franchise quarterback throw a season-high four touchdowns, the run game’s effectiveness helped keep the defense guessing. Without elite pass-catchers such as Tyreek Hill and Darren Waller injured, it also can’t hurt to try different ways to attack offensively.
“When you don’t have different guys, you have to rely on different parts of the roster to help you out through that,” offensive coordinator Frank Smith said. “I think it’s a real testament to the guys of what we wanted to look to do last week, and everyone worked together and everyone was a piece of a puzzle.”
If the Dolphins decide to lean heavily on the run, the team could have a full-fledged identity before the hopeful return of James Daniels and Austin Jackson. Odds are, Miami might be willing to lean in a bit further as well. Just look at how Tagovailoa responded when asked about the trio’s usage against the Falcons.
“I don’t want to talk too much about that,” Tagovailoa replied, an odd response for the normally forthcoming quarterback. He then repeated his earlier statement. “But as I said, it can force a lot of communication with the guys on the backend, then also things that they’re looking at can be a little tough.”